New Fla. Senate President names Richter his top lieutenant

Gaetz, a Niceville Republican, announced Richter’s appointment as president pro tempore on Wednesday.

Richter is the first member of Gatez’ leadership team to be named.

They will assume their new positions Nov. 20.

Richter, a Naples Republican and bank president, led efforts to downsize state-backed Citizens Property Insurance Corp. as chairman of the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee for the past two years.

After serving a single two-year term in the House, Richter was elected to the Senate in 2008.